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ABOUT ORION HOLIDAYS

25 years experience in the Cotswold Water Park Independent business, working closely with lodge owners and local businesses Choice of over 80 carefully selected high quality holiday cottages

Mark Thomas, Managing Director of Orion Holidays, has just under 25 years experience of working in the Cotswold Water Park. Mark began working here in the early 1990s and was involved in the original property sales when the resorts were first built. For this reason Mark has a very close and long lasting relationship with many of our lodge owners and knows almost everyone onsite. This relationship is vital to our business as it ensures that we retain a family-like, yet professional, manner right at our core, and we deeply care for and value our product.

All of our properties are second homes, meaning that they are owned and furnished in an individual way. No two of our properties are the same and our regulars return year on year enjoying a different experience each time. Due to our eclectic mix of owners each property has its own lively charm and feels like an actual home, rather than a prescribed holiday environment put together by a corporate design team. We offer holiday homes to make memories in and our first class service is an added bonus.

After leaving sales, Mark began his own agency business and, in 1997, opened Orion Holidays with a portfolio of just 5 rental properties. Since then, Orion Holidays has acquired roughly 80 properties across 9 different sites. From a one-man-band we now have a thriving team that co-ordinates property management, operations, property sales and hospitality.

This is all, of course, forgetting our fantastic setting. Surrounded by picturesque Cotswold villages, historic market towns and an area of lakes larger than the Norfolk broads, the stunning, natural landscape is tough competition for our fabulous lakeside holiday homes. The area is renowned for its wildlife and the range of activities available. Similarly, for those seeking the finer things in life, the area is also renowned for great restaurants, a lively atmosphere and top notch facilities.

‘What first drew me to working in the water park was the landscape. It’s great to work with a product that is constantly changing. The seasons and the wildlife mean that there is always something different; it’s what keeps people coming back year after year. It’s also a hidden gem. Many people aren’t aware of the spectacular scenery and its proximity to a number of vibrant tourist destinations. I feel very lucky to be able to work surrounded by all of this.’ (Mark Thomas).

The combination of a beautiful and unique setting, first class holiday homes, activities to suit everyone, and our commitment to providing high quality service, means that you won’t be disappointing in choosing Orion Holidays. It’s what makes our guests come back year after year, so start making your memories with us!